Southbridge man charged with attempted murder

SOUTHBRIDGE — A 28-year-old man faces a hearing Thursday to determine his dangerousness to the community after he allegedly strangled and savagely attacked his girlfriend, police said.

Victor M. Ortiz of 15 Union St., Apt. 3, was arraigned Dec. 27 in Dudley District Court on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of assault and battery.

Late morning or early afternoon on Dec. 26, the alleged victim said Mr. Ortiz had tried to strangle her from behind, the police report said.

She said she felt a tingling feeling, her vision became fuzzy, and she saw a flash of light. She said she believed she blacked out for a short time, the report said.

She told police Mr. Ortiz dragged her by her hair, slammed her to the ground, stomped on her, spit in her face and poured salad dressing on her body, the report said.

Mr. Ortiz allegedly choked her again and punched her in the face. She said he beat her until he was out of breath, the report said.

The victim, who was treated at Harrington Hospital, went to the Police Department on Dec. 27 to file a report.

She said Mr. Ortiz had also assaulted her on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, the report said.

Mr. Ortiz told police that the incidents were mutual physical altercations that the complainant had instigated. He said he might have put his hands around her neck and chest area while trying to restrain the woman, police said.